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Western & Barnetts Mazda is proud to share the latest collaboration between Mazda UK and Mission Motorsport, as the two organisations unveil a striking new poppy ‘art car’ ahead of the 2026 Race of Remembrance. The unique creation celebrates the Armed Forces community and reinforces Mazda’s longstanding commitment to supporting service personnel, veterans and their families through the power of motorsport.
The latest poppy ‘art car’ is based on Mazda UK’s 1995 Mk1 Mazda MX-5 1.8-litre heritage car, featuring a bespoke remembrance-inspired livery created by Mission Motorsport’s specialist vehicle wrap team.
Revealed at the 2026 Race of Remembrance Media Day at Thruxton Circuit, the iconic first-generation Mazda MX-5 has been transformed into a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and their families.
The car will be on display at this year’s Race of Remembrance at Anglesey Circuit in North Wales, where it will also take part in demonstration laps.
This latest project marks the third Mazda poppy ‘art car’ created in partnership with Mission Motorsport, following the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Mk4 race car and the 2024 Mazda MX-30 R-EV course car.
Mazda UK has supported Mission Motorsport since the charity was founded in 2012, alongside its involvement with the Race of Remembrance since the event began more than a decade ago.
The partnership uses motorsport to create opportunities for people affected by military service, helping veterans and their families access rehabilitation, vocational training, respite and ongoing support.
The first Mazda poppy ‘art car’, based on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, competed in the 2015 event. In 2024, a specially decorated Mazda MX-30 R-EV served as the event’s course car, featuring its own distinctive poppy design.
Now, the original Mazda MX-5 takes centre stage as the canvas for a third bespoke creation, bringing together Mazda’s celebrated automotive heritage and a meaningful message of remembrance.
Commenting on the latest collaboration, Mission Motorsport Managing Director Alex Atherton said:
“for the last 15 years, Mazda has been an incredible supporter of Mission Motorsport, helping us create opportunities for those affected by military service through the power of motorsport. The new Mission Motorsport poppy car is a powerful symbol of that enduring partnership, honouring the Armed Forces community while showcasing our shared commitment to making a lasting difference. Adding, “what better way to do that than on one of the most iconic Mazda road cars of all time”.
The 12th Race of Remembrance will take place from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Anglesey Circuit in North Wales, bringing together competitors, spectators and officials for a unique motorsport event that combines endurance racing with remembrance.
Teams will compete over 12 hours of racing across two days. The race begins at 3pm on Saturday, continuing into darkness until 10pm, before cars and drivers take an overnight break for rest and repairs. Racing resumes at 9am on Sunday.
A defining moment of the weekend comes at 11am on Sunday, when the circuit falls silent as more than 1,000 people gather to pay their respects to those who have served and sacrificed.
Throughout the event, the new Mazda MX-5 poppy ‘art car’ will be on display, providing a distinctive tribute to the Armed Forces community and the people whose service and sacrifice are remembered.
The event raises funds for Mission Motorsport, supporting its work to provide respite, rehabilitation, vocational training and practical support to veterans and others affected by military service.
Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK, commented on the unveiling of the new Mazda MX-5 poppy ‘art car’:
“the respectful and stunning livery of this Mission Motorsport poppy car is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of our service personnel and their families. I’m delighted that once again Mazda can play a small part in assisting Mission Motorsport to honour this with the Race of Remembrance and their fantastic ongoing work with service veterans” Adding, “it’s also great that we can mark our long running association with Mission Motorsport with a unique design on one of our most iconic and timeless heritage cars”.
Following the 2026 Race of Remembrance, the Mazda MX-5 poppy ‘art car’ will continue to travel around the country in support of the Armed Forces community, appearing at selected motoring and veterans’ events both before and after the race.
The project highlights how Mazda’s iconic sports cars can become more than automotive achievements, serving as platforms for meaningful partnerships and community support.
At Western & Barnetts Mazda, we are proud to share stories that celebrate Mazda’s heritage, innovation and commitment to making a positive difference. From the enduring appeal of the original Mazda MX-5 to the latest models in the Mazda range, the brand continues to bring people together through a shared passion for driving.
Discover the latest new Mazda cars at Western & Barnetts Mazda, explore our range and speak to our team about finding a Mazda to suit your lifestyle.
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